Mexico dramatically upset the odds in their 2018 World Cup opener against defending champions Germany to secure a shock 1-0 success, marking them now out as Group F favourites. The Central Americans are in pole position to secure a place in the knockout stages and should be capable of making it two wins from two here.

El Tri head to Rostov having now triumphed in five of their last eight outings, three of which arrived alongside clean sheets. Indeed, Juan Carlos Osorio’s troops dismissed claims of defensive deficiencies with an excellent rearguard performance in the second-half against Germany and that should stand the pre-match favourites in good stead.

Much was made of South Korea’s poor preparation with their own defensive game questioned in the build up to their contest with Sweden. However, it was the Asian giants’ forwardline that failed to fire as the Taeguk Warriors failed to fire a single shot on-target against obdurate opposition.

El Tri to march on

Mexico have been chalked up as 1.71 favourites to pocked maximum points here and, while the money has already seen that price contract significantly over the past few days, there is still mileage in backing Osorio’s outfit.

The emotional and physical energy exerted against Germany is an obvious concern but South Korea have struggled on the world stage since hosting the competition in 2002 and their necessity for points should play into El Tri’s hands.